Allergic rhinitis: A neglected disease that shares symptoms with COVID-19. Here is how to identify it

In India, one in three people suffers from allergies. However, only 35% of patients are treating them and 50% are unaware of the problem. Allergies are not taken seriously and are treated as “insignificant,” “insignificant,” or as you can go and go. The reasons for this reaction to allergies can range from unnoticed, lack of information, to misinformation.

Despite allergies being very prevalent in India, the condition has not been given its importance-both of them are poorly diagnosed and poorly treated. A lazy attitude to allergies is manifested in illness that can exacerbate symptoms, impair one’s quality of life and lead to serious and preventable consequences.

Causes of respiratory allergies

With the onset of COVID-19, a world-shaking pandemic, it has become essential to pay special attention and attention to our respiratory health. Most of India suffers from chronic respiratory problems such as respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, which if left untreated can lead to various respiratory health conditions.

Some of the common triggers for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Image: Screen grab YouTube / Osmosis

Allergic rhinitis is a major chronic respiratory disease caused by irritation and inflammation of the membrane overlying the nose. Despite the ravages in the last few years, especially in India, it may be overlooked as a trifle. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by stuffy nose, sneezing, itching of the nose, and nasal secretions (nasal secretions flow into the throat, causing congestion and coughing). It can also cause fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, and significantly impair quality of life.

Although this respiratory disorder appears harmless in the early stages, it can be a great source of more serious problems such as asthma, persistent uncontrolled allergies, and sinusitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) 400 million people worldwide Suffer from allergic rhinitis. It affects all age groups, 10-30% of adults. The rapid increase continues among children and adolescents who bear the brunt of this neglected issue.

With the onset of the monsoon, seasonal allergies are inevitable, leading to an increase in cases of allergic rhinitis. The majority of the population is confined indoors by Covid-19, raising concerns about indoor pollution. A single exposure to indoor air pollutants can also adversely affect an individual’s respiratory health.

Diagnosis and treatment of allergies

Allergies can be managed and treated with the right approach and early response. Recent studies have found that allergies affect 33% of Indians, but most do not receive proper treatment. The majority of Indians believe that respiratory allergies are insignificant and will be ignored until the condition worsens.

If you experience symptoms, do not brush under the carpet. It is important to visit a doctor or consult a specialist. There are several tests available to diagnose allergies. For example, the skin test is a fairly simple and non-invasive test for allergies. They often also do “scratch tests”. There, the allergen is placed on your skin and your reaction to it is checked. Other options include easy and quick blood tests.

Regardless of which method is used to test them, allergies can be effectively controlled if treated and diagnosed in time. There are several treatment options available, but the first step is medical intervention. Doctors prescribe over-the-counter drugs on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the allergy.

Drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants may help breathe better, but adjuncts such as inhaled steroids may also help. These drugs reduce airway inflammation. Oral and topical H1 antihistamines, intranasal glucocorticosteroids (INCs), mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, anticholinergics, and leukotriene inhibitors are prescribed by doctors on a case-by-case basis.

Immunotherapy, often called “allergic shots”, is a great option for patients with chronic allergic rhinitis.

An immunologist performing a skin prick allergy test on a patient’s arm. Image: Stevica Mrdja / Microgen

Risk of ignoring allergies in the long run

If left untreated, allergies can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, sinus infections, and upper respiratory tract infections.

An allergic reaction leads to a weakening of the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to enter the sinuses and causing infections. Allergies can also impair a child’s cognitive and psychomotor development. The most vulnerable parts of the population are children, pregnant mothers and the elderly. Age-related health problems can often lead to comorbidities, making the elderly most vulnerable to these disorders.

Untreated allergies have a major impact on quality of life. Allergic rhinitis results in sleep quality, fatigue, irritability, decreased alertness, and decreased daytime sleepiness. If allergies are not addressed on time, they often become chronic, with chronic nasal inflammation and obstruction, acute or chronic sinusitis, otitis media, or ear infections, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, upper respiratory tract. It may lead to complications such as infections.

Pollen, grass, and pet hair are some of the most commonly reported allergen stimulants. Image: Florencia Potter/Unsplash

Misconceptions about allergies surrounded by COVID-19

Needless to say, coronavirus infections are causing panic around the world. Even if you have a cold or flu due to similar symptoms related to the virus, people spend a sleepless night because of fear. Instead of being a prey to myth, you need to refer to authoritative sources of information to avoid confusion and make informed decisions.

Allergies affect the respiratory system and therefore share many symptoms with other respiratory illnesses such as flu, colds, coughs and the latest highly contagious COVID-19. A thorough understanding of the distinctive components of various respiratory problems is needed so that timely medical assistance can be sought.

If you have symptoms of sneezing, watery and itchy runny nose and stuffy nose, you are more likely to have an allergy, but you may have fever, fatigue, sudden loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, etc. Symptoms of COVID-19. In both cases, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches are common. Timely behavior is key to managing allergies and avoiding long-term effects, as they have access to the right information.

The author is the Chairman of the Indian Association of Otolaryngologists (AOI).